VP Radhakrishnan Urges Youth To Become Custodians And Ambassadors Of India’s Civilisational Heritage

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan highlighted music as one of India’s greatest forms of soft power, capable of transcending language and borders and fostering friendship, understanding and goodwill. He said this while inaugurating the youth-centric monsoon-themed musical programme, ‘MALHAR’, in New Delhi yesterday.

The magic of the monsoon came alive through the timeless melodies of Indian classical music in New Delhi, with the inauguration of ‘MALHAR’. Addressing the gathering, Vice President Radhakrishnan said that every region across the country has its own musical traditions, sounds and styles, yet music remains one of the strongest threads connecting the country.

He noted that the Malhar family of ragas is traditionally associated with the monsoon and described ‘MALHAR’ as a symbol of renewal, with music having the power to refresh the human spirit, awaken imagination and inspire hope.

Describing India’s cultural diversity as, many musical traditions, one shared spirit; many voices, one Bharat, Mr Radhakrishnan urged the youth to become custodians and ambassadors of India’s civilisational heritage. He also encouraged them to take the country’s classical music and cultural traditions to communities across the world. (UPDATED ON 22ND AUGUST 2026)